January 27, 2012
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected JAD Environmental, LLC, to support the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding its proposed natural gas pipeline extension to support facilities at its Hanford Site. JAD Environmental is a joint venture of three environmental consulting firms – Jason Associates Corporation; AGEISS, Inc.; and NV5/Dade Moeller.*
JAD Environmental will work with DOE and its contracted natural gas supplier to evaluate the potential health and environmental impacts of the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed pipeline. The study also will consider alternatives, including different routes for the pipeline.
The proposed pipeline would service two diesel-fueled facilities involved in the cleanup of radioactive wastes at Hanford – the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, currently under construction, and the existing 242-A Evaporator. Under DOE’s proposal, a connection to an existing natural gas pipeline in the City of Pasco would be extended approximately 30 miles to service the 200 Area. Portions of the proposed pipeline would run underneath the Columbia River. By acquiring natural gas services for these facilities, DOE would comply with policies and requirements to reduce costs, greenhouse gases, and dependence on foreign fuel sources.
The EIS process is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
*Dade Moeller joined NV5 in May 2016.